I'm a money pro – the best times & places to flog unwanted Christmas gifts & the items that'll make the most money | The Sun
WHILE many of us put together Christmas lists, chances are you'll still get another novelty bottle opener or aftershave gift set that'll get shoved straight to the back of your cupboard.
In fact, around half of us will get at least one unwanted gift, according to Finder research.
You’ve got a few options for these gifts (apart from stuffing them in a cupboard), according to Finder’s survey.
Just over 1 in 5 of us “regift” them, 1 in 10 exchange them (ask the giver for the receipt, diplomatically) and around the same number sell them.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, money expert Liz Edwards, editor-in-chief at the comparison site finder.com, notes: "It’s extra important this year, amid the soaring cost of living, to get the best possible value for your unwanted gifts."
Here, she reveals her top tips on the best time and places to sell them – and the items that'll make the most money.
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Choose your time
Firstly, Liz points out that timing is key.
"Some people rush to list their items on resale sites like eBay on Boxing Day, but that’s not necessarily the best time," she explains.
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"It’s worth taking account of paydays – many people get paid at the end of the month so the first weekend after that can be a good time to sell."
The money guru also notes that it’s worth checking out the latest price for your item.
"Is it selling new at a big discount in the Boxing Day or January sales?" she asks.
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"If so, it might be worth waiting for the price to rise so you can charge more."
She goes on to advise using price-tracking sites like PriceRunner, PriceSpy and, for Amazon, Camelcamelcamel to look at current prices and the price history of your item – all of which is free.
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"Lastly, think about the season and trending items: January’s the time for health and fitness equipment, for example," she says.
"Have you got something that you could market as a great Valentine’s gift, in early February? Or a Mother’s Day gift, in March? Using a hook like this can help you get a better price."
Choose your selling platform
For second-hand goods, Liz notes that eBay’s not your only option – although she adds it’s a good fall-back.
"If you’ve got a bulky, heavy item, you might want to go more local, for example by using Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, and asking the buyer to collect," she says.
"Plus, this way, you can ask them to bring you cash, if you prefer that.
"There are specialist sites for selling clothes – Depop and Thrift+ for example.
"Both of these platforms take a cut of the sale price, as does eBay. Thrift+ charges a listing fee of £3.75 as well as a selling fee."
Liz goes on to point out that listing on eBay and Depop is free for private sellers.
"It’s worth looking at the type of items for sale – and the range of prices for items like yours – on each site before you decide which platform to go for and what to charge," the money expert explains.
It’s worth taking account of paydays – many people get paid at the end of the month so the first weekend after that can be a good time to sell
"For games and gadgets, there are also specialist sites, such as GameXchange, CeX (which also has physical shops) and Ziffit, which is newer."
Liz warns that for all sites, but especially newer ones, it’s useful to check out reviews, to hear about any potential pitfalls from other sellers.
"If you’d rather avoid selling online, it’s easy to find local car boot sales where you can sell – just search online for the name of your area and 'car boot sale,' she says.
"There’s typically a pitch fee for selling at these, though, so it’s unlikely to be worth it for 1 or 2 items unless they have a high value.
"Car boot sales usually happen in spring and summer, so you’ll need to wait for a few months."
The money guru also notes that if you’re selling tech such as video games or consoles, it’s worth visiting high street chain CeX, where staff will grade your item and give you a price.
"You can get cash or store credit for your items," Liz explains.
"It might be a lower price than you’d get by selling online, but it’s arguably less hassle.
"You have to become a member to sell at CeX, but it’s free – just bring ID to the store.
With tech, it’s best to sell well before the next version of your item is launched."
Craft your description
Liz highlights the importance of describing the item accurately when you're selling.
However, she points out: "But that doesn’t mean you can’t throw in some inspiration.
Air fryers and electric blankets, for example, have been selling out. So if you’ve been lucky enough to get a decent one, selling it could help offset some of those winter bills
"Good photos, in an attractive setting, are absolutely key to making your listing stand out."
She adds that it's worth mentioning if the item has a warranty.
"If it would make a great gift for a particular occasion then mention that, too." she says.
"Explain why you’re selling it – you’ve already got one, or it’s the wrong size for your home, for example – as this is reassuring for buyers to know."
Lastly, Liz notes that it’s worth letting whoever gave you the item know that you’re selling it, so they don’t find out by accident.
What’s hot this year?
Liz comments: "Anything scarce obviously commands a higher price, and this has been the year of the energy-saving gadget.
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"Air fryers and electric blankets, for example, have been selling out.
"So if you’ve been lucky enough to get a decent one, selling it could help offset some of those winter bills."
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